Thursday, March 31, 2011

In my 25 plus years in the radio and newspaper reporting business, I have a considerable number of meetings. Probably more than the average person.

One of those type meetings I hate to cover are those dealing with financial issues. It tends to get nasty between the general public (taxpayers) and the governing bodies. I can remember years ago while covering a Columbia School Board, a fight broke out during a budget discussion.

More often than not budget meetings involving a community and a governing body become more finger pointing than anything else. The finger pointing can get ugly and usually the comments aren’t anything that can help solve the issues.

With that in mind, the Columbia School Board held a meeting on Tuesday night at the big school on the hill to discuss their 2011-12 school budget. The school board was going to detail their financial issues caused by a decrease in state funding and what effect would have on our community. They wanted to hear suggestion to deal with the budget issues and what the community wanted to keep in terms of programs and staff.

This is one of those meetings I wanted to go too, but also one I could have easily passed on. Just because of the confrontational possibilities. The old been there, done that theory. I went because I have a lot of friends who work for the school district and I believe in our schools because the kids are our future. But I was a little concerned as to what might happened.

My biggest fear wasn’t realized. The meeting was orderly. We can be Columbia Proud of the students who spoke about keeping programs and staff. The community came with some good questions and ideas and everyone left the meeting with a promise from Tom Strickler, school board president, there would be another public meeting perhaps in May, to tell everyone what the budget will look like and who and what programs will survive.

The bad thing, I thought the auditorium on the hill would be packed with parents, students and others. It wasn’t. I didn’t take an official head count but I think there was somewhere between 125 and 175 people listening, watching and speaking. That was the sad part.

The meeting started with a 25-minute budget presentation by Dr. Barry Clippinger, superintendent. He compared the budget issues that not only Columbia is facing but the other 500 school districts across the state are, to the weather. “It’s no longer a storm, rather a climate change. Public education is bearing the burnt of the climate change, but we will come back stronger because of it,” Clippinger said.

School districts across the state finally got some preliminary numbers from the state earlier this month, but have to have their budgets finalized before the state. So, there could still be some changes to the district’s financial plan.

During his presentation, Dr. Clippinger explained the district’s financial history and its taxation. The result of Gov. Tom Corbett’s budget left the district with a shortfall of 15.92 percent in state funding. Most of it, the school district budgeted for and even with the budget deficit, Clippinger said the goal of the administration and board was not to raise taxes. At present, the district has a $624,288 budget deficit without a tax increase.

To eliminate some of that deficit, the school district will not fill a science position because of a retirement (high school), make some other positions part-time and delay things like technology upgrades and curriculum reviews. Clippinger said the district’s administrative team ($39,170) and support staff ($35,780) have already agreed to pay freezes. Yet to agree have been the members of the Columbia Education Association and if they do that would be another $260,003.

“We have had discussions with the CEA,” Clippinger said.

Nether Clippinger or Strickler could tell those at the meeting when the CEA would be voting, but its not likely till the end of April. There were a few teachers at the meeting. In talking with some teachers, they realize the sense of urgency to approve the pay freeze. They want to vote onthe feeze now and do what is best for the students. These teachers say they care about the kids and district, love teaching at Columbia and these teachers feel its not fair for people to lump all teqachers together as one and these are the ones who want to stay here. There were some comments made about the teachers at the meeting, but as already written, its not fair to lump all the teachers together. Most want to move forward and help the students and the district.

Clippinger said the alternative education program and curriculum reviews could be dropped and transportation changes made for extra-curricular activities and the uniform replacement cycle will be delayed and there would be some use of the capital reserve fund. He also said the district is looking, along with the Intermediate Unit, to create its on virtual academy/cyber school. Currently, the district has to spend $500,000 to educate around 36 students in cyber school. Clippinger said the district could save around 50 percent of that money by operating its own cyber school.

“We have to do that (cyber school) by state law,” Strickler said, before taking questions.

But if the CEA doesn’t approve a pay freeze, the cuts could do deeper and affect students and result in heavy layoffs.

Strickler also discussed the affects of adequate special education funding and the free lunch program is having on the district as well. About 20 people spoke to the board, some of them students.

David Anderson questioned the need to spend money a few years back for the football stadium and suggested no cutbacks in the arts and foreign languages. He also felt the teachers should pay moe for their health care.

Elaine Beckley questioned the need to have three administrators making six figures and there is no need for the district to have three technology people. She said that is teachers are worried about their status going from full-time to part-time, “they could seek employment elsewhere.”

An elderly gentlemen asked the board to come up with a way to tax renters, who aren’t paying taxes, but putting a burden on the scfhools.

Mark Fritz, a district parent, suggested the district look at its overhead and saw no need for a superintendent and an assistant superintendent “for a graduating class of less than 100.”

He also suggested getting rid of the district administrative center and bringing the offices back into the schools.

“The cut should come from the top, not the teachers. It should be the facilities and administration,” Fritz said.

Another speaker requested and itemized budget and another was concerned about the plan to cut full-day kindergarten and the fact the district had to pay for security at athletic events.

Students who spoke asked the board to retain progras such as drama, band and music, because that’s what they participate in and it wouldn’t be worth coming to school without those programs.

“We can’t the kids,”:said resident Don Arndt.

In the end, Strickler thanked for attending and said there would be another meeting held in May.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

It’s been a while since I have commented on anything in the world of sports. The winter sports season, although it still feels like winter, is over and the bats, gloves, javelins and shot puts are out.

First off, congrats to the Columbia athletes for all the hard work they put in over the winter. They worked hard and improved as the season went on.

Second, congrats to senior wrestler Marcus Fischer, for representing Columbia at the state wrestling championships.

Yes, it was not all rosy for the winter sports season in 2010-11, but I prefer to look ahead not back.

A few weeks back, I attended the basketball banquet and a couple of things stuck with me that night.

I, myself have seen it developing this year as well. I think the championship drought on the hill will end next season in a big way. I heard some coaches speak that night and a couple of senior players, about the need to get the “Colunbia Chip” back on our shoulders. Yes, there is the ability to win multiple chanpionships next season, but it comes down to a few things.

One is the off-season commitment of the athletes who will wear the crimson and gold. Not to be labor the point, but championships are not won from September to November or December to February or March to May, they are won on the off-season. That means hard work in the off season. If that happens, only then will the school on the hill have to add banners to the gym rafters.

It’s possible.

There has been a bunch of other things that have happened in the past few weeks/months as well.

First, at the local level.

I had heard the rumors before it became public knowledge that Lancaster Catholic was looking to move from Section 3 to Section 1 in football. Yes, its about time they step up to the plate and make a move that will drastically improve the quality of sports in the L-L League.

Will Columbia miss playing Catholic? Yes, because it was a good rivalry, although Columbia hasn’t beaten then in about eight years.

Will. Catholic succeed in Section 1? It’s a different brand of football, more physical. Would it have been better to jump up to Section 2 first? Probably.

I won’t comment any farther about the “r” issue, but there were some comments made in the newspaper story that was a little upsetting. One was a comment made about the lack of competition in Section 3 as Catholic’s front line players only got to play half a game in league play. I saw a few games where the front line players were in late into the game up 35, 40, 45 points. Not a great way to develop depth for the big move. And if Section 3 hurt them, I thought they did well in the post-season the last two years.

I would hope Catholic would consider a move in basketball as well.

Speaking of moves, heard that Steel-High will be playing Class A in boys’ basketball in the next schedule cycle at the request of the Mid-Penn Conference. They were having trouble scheduling boys’ games in one division/class and girls in another.

Moving back to the L-L League, finally happy to see Hempfield as a new football coach in Ron Zieber, a former coach at Boyertown and Exeter. Don’t know the guy, never heard of him, but he better be the best thing since sliced bread. That’s because of who the Black Knights passed over – Jim Cantafio and Mark Evans.

I thought given the success of the other Hempfield fall programs (state champs in soccer and volleyball), they would make a splash with the football hiring.

Well, they put two solid coaches through the interview ringers, only not to consider either one in the end. Both are solid football minds. Sure, Jimmy C must have had some baggage attached to the old resume, but football-wise, he’s smart. The same goes for Evans, who I happen to think is on the top five of coaches in the L-L League behind Mike Williams and Dave Gingrich.

Given the fact that a new coach wasn’t named until two weeks ago, don’t look for the Black Knights to get back to being winners this season, unless this guy is a miracle worker.

Now finally, the other day I was in a discussion about school colors. The talk centered on how do I want to put it, alterations to those colors. I tend to agree say if a schools are red and black; crimson and gold or purple and gold, that’s what they are. Enough said.

The Susquehanna Valley Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame has announced its list of inductees for its May 7 banquet.

The annual banquet will be held at the Suusquehanna Fire Company. 10th and Manor streets, starting at 6 p.m. The cost is $15 per person and tickets are available by contacting Rich Gerfin at 684-4772 after 6 p.m.

The inductees are:

* Jerry Brooks, former administrator in the Penn Manor School District and coach and longtime official and former District 3 committee chairman.

* Robert Derr, current field hockey coach at Warwick High School and top high school and college wrestling official.

* Jim Dougherty, former Columbia Raider and cable television personality.

* Scott Martin, football and wrestling standout at Lancaster Catholic and current Lancaster County Commissioner.

* Bernie Stananiello, former football player at Lancaster Catholic and longtime coach at McCaskey.

An ambulance arrives on the scene at the entrance to the Columbia Plaza Shopping Center, where a bicyclist was struck by a car. Columbia Police said rhe bicyclist was an off duty officer from another department, who was taken to Lancaster General around 3:30 p.m.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Firemen remain on the scene of a two alarm fire in the 600 block of Plane Street. Smoke was showing from the middle house as firemen first arrived. Columbia Fire Chief Doug Kemmerly kicked in the door of the middle house to gain entry. The Red Cross was called to the scene along with UGI. Firemen from Columbia and other areas were called to the scene around 7 p.m. Three houses were involved. More details as they become available.

The Columbia School Board and Administration will hold a public meeting to discuss the 2011-2012 budget and property tax impact.
The meeting will be held tomorrow night, Tuesday, March 29, 7 p.m., in the high school, auditorium.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

The Columbia High School baseball and softball teams will hold a benefit dance featuring Maxwell on Friday, April 22, starting a 8 p.m., at the Susquehanna Fire Company.
The cost of the tickets are $25 each.

See attached pictures please, I will also print them and put them in the drop box at borough office attention code enforcements. This reminds me of the ghetto in Chicago. The out of town landlord WINS, I said I would not move because of his low life tenants , but with the little help I get from code enforcement and the lack of codes that protect clean proud homeowners of this town my house is FOR SALE, if you drive out to visit this site at the rear of 732 Plane street you will see the FOR SALE sign at my house 734 Plane street. I lived here all my life and finally had enough, apparently others have too. The Lancaster News had an article just the other day 91 less people compared to last years census for Columbia Borough. My wife and I have spent the past few weeks looking at homes in Wrightsville and Mountville. As we look at COMPARABLE homes to what we have what a difference! I challenge code enforcement to take me to Mountville and show me this style of life that has invaded this 700 block of Plane street for the past several years, it hasn’t always been this bad, but it has been steadily increasing, because of the economy Jim Leonard can’t get good tenants and the tenants and Jim Leonard know what they can and can’t get away with. These tenants just move in this past December and the cops have been here 3 times because of them. They were able to issue a fine to a visiting individual of the rear apartment and a disruptive conduct warning. I do thank the police department, they did what was expected of them in a professional manner. I personally thanked officer Jacobs after the hearing I attended 3/7/2011. If we could only get code enforcement to do something or someone needs to revise some codes or create new ones. My guess is that there is something codes can do about this EYESORE. I spoke with code enforcement officer George Wise he pretty much doesn't like writing fines from what I gather from our conversation. He would just rather send letters to the property owners and hope the issue goes away. He told me I may have to go to court to testify, told him no problem done it numerous time for the police department.

By the way the green trash cans are STILL sitting out in the alley ( Furnace Ave ) that runs parallel with Plane street you can see both of them in the corner of the picture 2 that is attached. I have questioned the trash cans for months now. There is an ordinance, but it isn’t being enforced, it’s written on my sewer bill from time to time, George Wise said he NEVER issued a fine for this violation. The town could use the money now is his chance. The parking meter officer is writing fines, perhaps we can promote him to code enforcement. Again he is doing his job ( meter officer) even though I hear complaints and he even got me once at the post office he is doing his job. While talking parking how come no ordinance has ever been made for these multi-unit apartments that are GRANDFATHERED from the current parking ordinance. 732 Plane has 4 units and currently there are two units with two vehicles and one unit with one vehicle. that is five cars that want to be as close to there front door as I do. They should create a ordinance that will control parking where these multi- units that were GRANDFATHERED exist. How about no more then one car per a unit or no more then 4 cars per four unit. That’s enough for now. You proved you can’t help me long term, so help me short term and fix the EYESORE out back so when the relator shows my house to a perspective buyer they are not scared out of Columbia like others have.
PS, This is not anything against you Leo. I have the upmost respect for you. You have always been more then fare in the past you even personally visited with me at my residence to resolve issues. I know you have a lot on your plate and I do see improvement in Columbia, but as for some of the descent caring homeowners there is little assistance from code enforcement and not enough updated ordinances. If anybody would like to speak with me please respond I have been keeping a log with some pictures on the issues mentioned and more.
Sorry complaining, but enough is enough.
Jerry Nissley
734 Plane Street

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Firemen from Columbia, along with Mount Joy, Maytown-East Donegal, Mountville, Washington Boro and othes responded to a noontime fire between Cherry and Union Street in the 400 block where a storage garage was damaged. Thick smoke was seen billowing from the garage. A state police fire marshal responded to the scene as well. More details when they become availablr.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

West Hempfield Towship Police are looking for information on the two pictured individuals in connection with the theft of over the counter medications from the Weis Market store and Rite-Aid in the 1700 block of Columbia Avenue, March 18.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police ar 285-5191.

TREVOR ROBERT REDCAY, AGE 20, OF LITITZ, WAS CITED FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS AND FOR PURCHASE, CONSUMPTION, POSSESSION OR TRANSPORTATION OF LIQUOR OR MALT OR BREWED BEVERAGES, ON SOUTH FOURTH STREET, MARCH 18.

BARRY M. FRAZIER, AGE 51, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED
FOR OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION, AT CHESTNUT AND FOURTH STREET, MARCH 18.JESSICA L. LUTZ, AGE 32, OF EPHRATA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED, ON CONCORD AVENUE, MARCH 19.

JOSE MANUEL PINOTT, JR., AGE 33, OF WRIGHTSVILLE, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AT ROUTE 30 & ROUTE 441, MARCH 19.

STEVEN M. KATALINAS, AGE 30, OF MARIETTA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVERS REQUIRED TO BE LICENSED, AT MANOR AND PLANE STREETS, MARCH 19..

BRITTANY DIANA-MAY UTZ, AGE 22, OF YORK, WAS CITED FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS; DISORDERLY CONDUCT; AND FOR HARASSMENT IN THE 500 BLOCK OF MANOR STREET, MARCH 18.JAMES WILLIAM SWAYNE, AGE 35, OF KINZER, WAS CITED FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS IN THE 300 BLOCK OF WALNUT STREET, MARCH 20.DYLAN C. WARD, AGE 21, OF LANCASTER, WAS CITED FOR REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATION OF TITLE REQUIRED AND FOR OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION, ON POPLAR STREET, MARCH 22..

A 36-year-old Columbia resident was charged in a drug raid, March 18, according to thr Drug Task Force.
Arrested and charged: was Rodney Washington Severt, 36, 126 Walnut St., Apt. 1, Columbia.
Detectives and officers set up surveillance in the area of 200 block of Ave. H Columbia, at approximately 3:42 p.m., March 18, for the arrival of Rodney Washington Severt, who was to deliver marijuana to a Drug Task Force Detective. Severt arrived and delivered $50 in marijuana to the Detective and was arrested. Located on his person was additional $100 of marijuana intended for sale.
Detectives and Officers then proceeded to 126 Walnut St., Apt. 1 Columbia, where an additional $1,300 in marijuana was located, and two digital gram scales, and bags for packaging and selling marijuana were located.
Severt was charged with Violation of the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act of 1972- 1 count Delivery of Marijuana, 2 counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana, and 1 count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia before Justice Robert A. Herman.
Severt was committed to the Lancaster County Prison in lieu of $100,000.00 bail.

In the past two to three weeks, West Hempfield Township Police has received numerous calls for phone fraud .
The two main types are the callers stating the victims won a lottery and need front money (usually a few thousand dollars) sent to the caller to process paperwork so their winings can be sent - either won a car or money. The second is a companion is met on line from another country, a relationship begins.
The companion requests several thousand dollars for fare to the United States to continue the relationship. Once money is sent, communication is ended.
Police CAUTION residents about: phone surveys, unknown lottery winnings or anything where personal information or money is requested from an unknown source and notify Police if they do receive a call.
The target is usually older people.

Columbia Borough has scheduled its spring clean-up for two dates -- Friday, April 15 and Saturday, April 16.

The Friday, April 15 will be held from 7 a.m.-noon when the borough and volunteer local trash collectors will go around town and collected tagged items.
Here is what will be picked up on Friday, April 15:
Refrigerator/freezer (doors off or secured), air conditioner, dehumidifier, washer/dryer, dishwasher, sofa, hot water heater, trash compactor, stove and double sink.
A yellow tag must be obtained from the borough office at a cost of $20.
The next day, April 16, with a blue tag, items can be dropped off at River Valley Disposal at a cost of $15.
On April 15, at a cost of $5, the following items can be picked up: Mattress and box spring, rug and carpet, VCR/stereo, microwave, lawn mower (push or electric), gas grills (no gas tanks), toilet, pair of tires and batteries (car, boat or marine),
The next day, at a cost of $3, these items can also be dropped off at River Valley Disposal.
Free items are dried paint cans and scrap metal (both days) and lights and pesticide containers (drop off only).
Unacceptable items are shingles, engines or gas tanks, vinyl flooring, bricks or concrete blocks, yard waste or garbage.
Columbia residents much purchase their tags at the borough office prior to April 14 and tagged items placed curbside by 6 a.m., April 15.
Proof of residency is required.
River Valley Disposal is located off Franklin Street.
For more information, call 684-2467.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Received this from a reader. Pictured are the two silk mills on North Thurd Street before demolition began - the upper part was torn down and Burger King built a facility there. In the second location will be the new Turkey Hill Experience.

The start of the demolition. Notice the three water towers - one for each silk mill, and one for Keeley Stove Company. The water tower on the far left has been repainted and will be re-signed for the Turkey Hill Experience.

More than 400 pounds of copper and other materials were stolen from a company that's working on a railroad bridge in Mountville, West Hempfield Township police said.

J.D. Eckman Inc. on Wednesday said that within the past few days someone took the copper and more than $2,500 worth of galvanized steel joints, brackets and piping from the Main Street bridge construction site, police said.
Neighbors reported seeing a man in a blue Dodge truck enter the site and remove material one night, police said. He was wearing a white hard hat.
he site is closed to pedestrian and vehicle traffic, police said. Police should be notified of anyone on the site outside regular project hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Police ask anyone with information to call them at 285-5191

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

The Columbia Park Rangers will kick off their 11th year of service by joining forces with the Columbia Boys Athletic Association on March 26 for the annual spring cleanup of Glatfelter Field. The cleanup will involve trash pickup, leaf removal and preparation of the fields for spring sports.

Rangers will assemble at 7:30 a.m. Tools will be provided, but volunteers should bring gloves. Glatfelter Field is located at South 12th Street and Lancaster Avenue.

The Columbia Park Rangers are a volunteer organization dedicated to maintaining and improving Columbia Borough's parks and public areas. Additional work details are scheduled for River Park, April 16; Locust Street Park, April 30; Janson Field, May 14; and Locust Street Park, June 11. Cleanups start at 8 a.m.

MELVIN S. GROFF, AGE 84, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS AT LOCUST AND NORTH FOURTH. STREETS, MARCH 7.

ANNEURIS MANUEL PAULA-SANCHEZ, AGE 22, OF LANCASTER, WAS CITED FOR OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION AND FOR DRIVERS REQUIRED TO BE LICENSED, ON LANCASTER AVENUE, MARCH 8.MATTHEW M. ENNIS, AGE 43, OF LANCASTER, WAS CITED FOR OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION AT MANOR AND PLANE STREETS, MARCH 9.

AUGUST SCHULZ, III, AGE 43, OF HOLTWOOD, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES ON ROUTE 441 SOUTH, MARCH 14.DUANE L. KOCHER, AGE 71, OF YORK, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AT THIRD AND LINDEN STREETS, MARCH 11.BRUCE E. GROSS, AGE 55, OF MARIETTA, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AT 15TH STREET AND LANCASTER AVENUE, MARCH 11.

TRAZEY L. LEANZA, AGE 37, OF YORK, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES ON ROUTE 441 SOUTH, MARCH 12.ADAM MICHAEL SINZ, AGE 20, OF CONESTOGA, AND PAMELA L. MUSSER, AGE 52, OF WASHINGTON BORO. WERE CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES ON ROUTE 441 AND PERRY STREET, MARCH 12.GINGER A. PRYOR, AGE 51, OF LEBANON, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AT ROUTE 441 AND LINDEN STREET, MARCH 12.MARY ANNE KALIBER, AGE 70, OF HELLAM, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AT THIRD AND LINDEN STREETS, MARCH 12.TAMMY S. HENRY, AGE 39, OF DALLASTOWN, WAS CITED FOR TRAFFIC-CONTROL SIGNALS AT THIRD AND CHESTNUT STREETS, MARCH 15.SANDRA MARIE DIAS, AGE 29, OF LANCASTER, WAS CITED FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS, ON SOUTH SECOND STREET, MARCH 6.

Spring Street in Mountville Borough will become a "One-Way" street today after Borough employees

complete posting all the appropriate signs. Borough Council passed an ordinance at their regular monthly
meeting on Monday to temporarily make Spring Street a one way roadway from Oak Street to College Ave
due to safety concerns from the increase in traffic on the roadway as a result of Main Street being closed for
bridge replacement. Traffic flow will be in the northern direction from Oak Street to College Ave.

The Columbia School Board and Administration will hold a public meeting to discuss the 2011-2012 budget and property tax impact.Time: 7 p.m.Date: Tuesday, March 29, 2011PLACE: Columbia High School Auditorium
Please plan to attend and pass this information to all your friends and neighbors. The Board wants input from residents that have children attending the Columbia schools and/or residents that pay property taxes.

Monday, March 14, 2011

About a month ago, I attended what appeared to be the monthly meeting of the Columbia Area Democratic Committee/Club.

There were only a handful of people there, split pretty equally between Columbians and people from the county committee. The one question asked that night was “what were you involved in.” Since the Colunbians at the meeting each knew each other and what all we were involved in, I thought the question was interesting. So, I gave a little information about myself and the reaction when all of us got done speaking was, “so you are all involved in Columbia.”

And only knowing one of the people from the county, I was a little stunned by the remark because when it comes to the election, it’s not the people of the county who will be electing council and school board members in May and November.

It wasn’t until a few weeks later, someone in town asked me a similar question. And I thought, wow, most people probably only know me as a staff writer/sports editor from the old Columbia News and for close to 20 years as editor of the former Columbia Ledger. So, when I started telling the person some of the things I was involved in, they were surprised.

Now that I am officially on the ballot as one of three people seeking one of the four four-year Democratic seats on borough council, I thought it might be a good idea to put my resume and other information out there. So, here goes.

Prior to joining the former Columbia News, I worked in the newsroom at WSBA Radio in York from my senior year at Columbia High School through 1984. One of the big stories during that time was the Three Mile Island accident.

At the Columbia News, I was responsible at first for covering Columbia sports and school board meetings. Later, it was a little bit of everything until the newspaper closed.

Then I moved onto the Columbia Ledger, which first debut as the Columbia Press and I was there until the paper closed in 2009.

Not only did I cover the local meetings in Columbia, West Hempfield and Wrightsville, I also gained experience covering meetings in other locations.

To say I have a good understanding of municipal governments is an understatement. I’ve covered town meetings in places smaller than Columbia and a lot larger. Seen a lot of different issues, a lot of ideas and a lot of community and government leaders come and go.

My last newspaper experience and I am being honest was not a good one, one I took for two reasons, because I needed a job and two, I did it for the town of Columbia.

So there is my work history.

As for some honors, I’ve received plaques and certificates from fire companies and other organizations in town. Four special awards I received were two from the Columbia Boy’s Athletic Association back in the 1990s and 2000; the Jimmy Sheckard Award, presented by the Susquehanna Valley Sports Hall of Fame and a Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Keystone Award for newspaper coverage of a fire many years ago of a fire on Perry Street here in town.

As for memberships, if you don’t know, I was president, coach, tournament director, commissioner and umpire for the Columbia Boy’s Athletic Association from the time I graduated high school until about eight or nine years ago. I loved working with a great group of adults, loved working with the young people of our town and meeting new people and organizing the former Kratzer Tournament.

I was also a member at one time of the Columbia Rotary Club, served a term on the Columbia Civil Service Commission and was a member of the Columbia School District’s strategic plan committee when Jon Rednak was superintendent. I am a board member for the Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce.

With the high school sports programs, I’ve kept statistics for the football team for 30 years or so; kept time at track meets for the last three or four years and have been running the clock for football games at the junior high/junior varsity football games for a handful of years; been scorekeeper for wrestling for more than 10 years and basketball for a handful of years.

I am also a former member of the Hershey Hockeywriters Association and Lancaster Sportswriters and Broadcasters Association, the Susquehanna Valley Sports Hall of Fame and charter member of the Columbia High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame Committee and was also a member of the 100th anniversary of Columbia High School football program; the closing and opening ceremony committee for the high school football stadium and the 50th anniversary committee of Columbia wrestling.

I can hear the "nay sayers" of our town now, "there's nothing good about Columbia," "our town isn't worth the dirt its built on." Well, some of us see Columbia differently. So, here goes. From time to time, newspapers and magazines do their "best of" lists.
I tried this a few times before at the Columbia Ledger. One that was particularly effective was a special section I produced on the 100 Years of Columbia High School football. Another, was like a "Best Of" list, in combination with other newspapers in our chain.
So, even though there are no prizes involved, I'd like to try it now. Between now and April 1, let's fill out the following lists and on April 2, I'll announce Columbia Talk's Best of Columbia.
"The Best of Columbia"
1. Best Community Event?
2. Best Place to watch a parade at?
3. Best Place to relax?
4. Best Park?
5. Best place to watch a sporting event?
6. Best place to get a cup of coffee?
7. Best place to view the Susquehanna?
8. Best place to get wings?
9. Best place to get a sub?
10. Best place to get a cheesesteak?
11. Best place to get ice cream?
12., Best soft pretzel (current or "back in the day")
13. Best street in Columbia?
14. Please place to get breakfast?
15. Best place to get a haircut or perm?
16. Best stylist or barber?
17. Best place to get an adult beverage?
18. Best place to get a soda?
19. Best pizza place?
20. Best sporting event?
21. Best place to walk?
22. Best burger?
23. Best tourist attraction?
24. Best place to get gas?
25. Best fast food restaurant?
26. Best place to go for entertainment?
27. Best service station?
28. Best club?
29. Best market stand?
30. Best teacher (present)?
31. Best teacher (back in the day)?
32. Best church?
33. Best police officer?
34. Best place to purchase a lottery ticket?

During the past several months the prices of precious metals (gold, silver, platinum) have soared to new record levels. Associated with this phenomenon, precious metals buyers have popped up everywhere, some as “traveling road shows,” urging consumers to clean out their drawers of old or unused gold and silver and bring it to them for “top dollar” prices. Many of these buyers are from out of town or even out of state and are set up in motels and hotels for just a day or two and then they leave town with their purchases.
Before you decide to sell your valued possessions, you should arm yourself with some basic guidelines detailed in Chapter 501 (Purchase and Sale of Precious Metals) of The Pennsylvania Code:
1. When you walk into a gold dealers premises ask the person in charge if they are currently licensed with their county sheriff. Present law requires any person who purchases precious metals to be licensed with their county sheriff’s department. If they say no or don’t know, walk away.
2. Ask them where their current prices are posted for gold, silver or platinum. Present law requires the dealer to clearly post these prices for the customer to see. If they aren’t posted, walk away.
3. If they are going to weigh your products, make sure the scale is visible so you can observe the weighing operation and make sure the scale bears a current seal of approval from weights and measures. If either of these requirements is not met, walk away.
4. Most consumers are not very familiar with the metric or troy systems of weights and measures. Therefore dealers are required to post a conversion chart so the consumer has a chance to understand exactly how much their product weighs and how much they are being offered for it. If the conversion chart is not posted, walk away.
5. Should all the previous requirements be met and you decide to proceed with the sale, make sure you receive a complete and descriptive receipt. The law requires the dealer to provide a receipt that includes; (1) the name, age, address of the seller. (2) An accurate description of the product including its weight. (3) Records are to be maintained by the dealer for a period of one year and be available for inspection. (4) A copy of all receipts must be submitted to the county District Attorney within 24 hours of the transaction.
6. All precious metals purchased by a dealer shall be kept in “unaltered condition” for a minimum of five days and be available for inspection upon request.
7. If possible, have your items examined and weighed by a local jeweler to establish a baseline weight and value.
8. It is never advisable for you to send your precious metals off by mail to an unknown metals dealer.
Please note that the registration requirements and other regulations do not apply to financial institutions that are licensed under state or federal laws, or individuals purchasing precious metals for their personal use (not for resale or refining). In addition, these requirements are for Pennsylvania dealers only.
Should you have a problem or need to lodge a complaint, contact your local district attorney, sheriff or the local police. You can also lodge a complaint with the state attorney general’s office at 717-787-3391 or with weights and measures at 1-877-837-8007.

I saw this on ESPN the other week during their spring training trip from Arizona to Florida. John Kruk, one of my favorite Phillies and former Baltimore Sun writer, now ESPN Insider Tim Kurkjan, were playing the ABC's of spring training. They were using all the letters of the alphabet to come up with a word or phrase or team that would be key to the 2011 season.
So, I got to thinking (which is sometimes dangerous) how to adapt this to Columbia. So here goes. Since recently there was a newspaper article written about Columbia's nicknames, I decided to do one for Columbia sports. At each letter listed below, add a name that begins with that letter of someone who participated in Columbia High School sports. They can be current athletes, coaches, or athletes or coaches back in the day, as us old timers like to say.
But to make it a little more difficult, it can't be any name. They have to be either an all-star in their sport; 1,000 point scorer or 100 win wrestler; champion; championship coach, Hall of Fame member or member of a championship team.
I will continue to take names for the next two weeks and on April 1 post the winners. So for example, the letter A could stand for Anspach or Afari; B could be Burke or Beaston, etc.AB
C
DEFG
HIJKLMNOP
QRST
UVWXY
Z

It's time to turn your clocks ahead an hour tonight before you go to bed. Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. Also check/change your batteries in your smoke detector. Well, there's at least one clock I saw today where time is standing still awaiting the time change.

Work will resume Monday on a project to repair and resurface Route 441 in western Lancaster County.

The work covers an area of 441 from Chickies Hill, just north of Route 30, through Marietta to the intersection with Route 772, the state Transportation Department said.
The 2.8-mile section of the road, known locally as River Road, averages more than 17,000 vehicles a day.
Motorists may encounter shifting traffic patterns and temporary lane restrictions as crews repair the roadway in preparation for a nighttime paving operation, PennDOT officials caution.

Monday, March 7, 2011

The Drama Club at Columbia High School will perform "Once Upon A Mattress," Thursday, Friday and Saturday, in the auditorium. Show times are Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults; $4 for students and $3 for senior citizens.

Carl A. Metzinger, 62, of Lancaster, was charged with terroristic threats and simple assault, as the result of an incident that ended in the parking lot of the Turkey Hill store on Stony Battery Road, March 4.
He was placed in Lancaster County Prison.

Jesus M. Rosa-Garcia, 25, of Lancaster, was turned over to the York County Sheriff's Department after being charged with making false identification to police and no license, as the result of an incident on Route 30, March 4.
He had outstanding warrants from York County.

Officials from George's Restaurant in the first block of West Main Street, Mountville, reported, someone forced their way into the rear of the business and took a small amount of cash, March 4.

Police investigating an incident in the 100 block of Chestnut Hill Drive where a homemade explosive device was used to blow up a mailbox, March 5.

Justin C. Wivell, 28, of Columbia, was charged with careless driving, DUI and an Act 64 violation, as the result of an incident on Route 23 at Silver Spring Road, March 6.

ELIZABETH GEMINI DECKER, AGE 19, OF AIRVILLE, WAS CITED FOR TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS AT THIRD AND WALNUT STREETS, FEB.18.
KIM GERFIN-MUSSER, AGE 49, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AT FOURTH AND LOCUST STREETS, FEB. 19.
JOHN FREEMAN SCHMUCKER, AGE 25, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED AT ROUTE 441 AND PERRY STREET, FEB. 20.

JAMES THEODORE SWAN, III, AGE 28, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED IN THE 200 BLOCK OF SOUTH THIRD STREET, FEB. 20.

TIFFANY A. GAMBER, AGE 29, OF LANCASTER, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED IN THE 100 BLOCK OF SOUTH SIXTH STREET, FEB. 21.

DAKOTAH LIGHTFOOT, AGE 20, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVERS REQUIRED TO BE LICENSED, IN THE 600 BLOCK OF WALNUT STREET, FEB.23.

DAVID SALVATORE LONG, AGE 38, OF MOUNTVILLE, WAS CITED FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS, IN THE 100 BLOCK OF SOUTH SECOND STREET, FEB. 23.
SCOTT ALLEN COBB, AGE 31, OF RED LION, WAS CITED FOR ONE- WAY ROADWAYS AND ROTARY TRAFFIC ISLANDS, ON BARBER STREET, FEB. 23.
DEREK L. MCDADE, AGE 45, OF WASHINGTON BORO., WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES, AT RT. 441AND LINDEN STREET, MARCH 4.

MARK CAMP, AGE 46, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED, ON SOUTH FOUTH STREET, MARCH 3.
DANIEL SCOTT PIEPER, AGE 23, OF MARYLAND, WAS CITED FOR RIGHT TURN ON RED, AND FOR STOP SIGNS AND YIELD SIGNS, ON LINDEN STREET, FEB. 28.

DAVID SALVATORE LONG, AGE 37, OF MOUNTVILLE, WAS CITED FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS, ON LOCUST STREET, MARCH 5.

JACKIE F. JENKINS, AGE 24, OF LITITZ, WAS CITED FOR CONSUMPTION IN PUBLIC, ON NORTH THIRD STREET,MARCH 1.

JESSE SHELDON JUSS, AGE 20, OF LANCASTER, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES ON ROUTE 30 WEST, MARCH 5.

Crimson Tide senior Marcus Fischer will be the first Tide grappler to attempt to win a state title in four years starting Thursday at the Giant Center in Hershey.

Fischer, 33-12, qualified for the state tournament with a fourth-place finish at the Southeast Regional championships Friday and Saturday at Wilson High School in Berks County. The regional tournament featured the top wrestlers from Districts One, Three and 11.

When the state tournament begins Thursday, Fischer, who was ranked 13th in the state last week, will face Brockway senior Joel Yahner (33-0) in his first match. Yahner won the 285-pound title in the Northwest Regional.

For the third straight week, Fischer made it to the semi-finals. This week, he ran into a road block against Ben Ancheff of Williams Valley, who used a weight advantage to pin Fischer in 1:50.

Fischer, who had a first round bye, because of his second place finish the week before at the District Three championships, opened the regional tournament with a pin of Mike Williams of Notre Dame Green Pond.

After losing in the semifinals, Fischer needed one win to qualify for states. He got it with a 4-2 decision over Omni Johnson of Milton Hershey. That put Fischer into the third-fourth place bout against Kirby Mutton of Penn Argyl and he was pinned in 4:02.

Two other Columbia wrestlers, both unerclassmen, also made the trip to Wilson.

At 119 pounds, junior Derek Zercher, lost his first two matches and saw his season end with a 30-11 record. In his first match, Zercher was a tech fall loser to Michael Fleck of Wilson Area, 15-0, and then saw his season end when he wasa 19-5 loser to James Elphick of Penn Argyl.

At 135 pounds, junior Jordan Halter, also lst his only two matches at regionals, to finish his season with a 35-6 record.

Halter was a tough luck 11-10 loser in his opening round bout to Sam Tascone of Delco Christian and then lost to Blake Bowman of Tri-Valley, 14-4.

The Columbia K-9 Campaign and the Columbia Consolidated Fire Departent will host a Wolfgang Chocolate Bingo on Saturday, March 19.
The doors will open at noon, with bingo starting at 1 p.m.
For ore information, call 684-5435.

From link on PennLive...
A team comprised of some of the best high school football players in Eastern Pennsylvania were able to place in the top 4 teams at the Badger Sport/New Level Athletics Elite 7 on 7 Camp at Rutgers University this past weekend. Their team, the Pennsylvania Playmakers, made it all the way to the semi-finals before losing to the eventual champions, Maryland Flex, 20-19 in a heartbreaking loss. This was New Level Athletic's Northeast Region Championship event and by placing in the top 4, they qualified to play at the National Championship Tournament at the University of Alabama during July 4th weekend. I was able to see and record a ton of action during the two-day event. The video won't be available for a few weeks but here are some thoughts on some of the "Playmakers".

Shawn Simmons (Linebacker) - Harrisburg H.S.- The 6'2", 250 pound linebacker impressed many with his speed and quickness for his size. Teams came to find out that Simmons was able to cover running backs coming out of the backfield as he made a lot of athletic plays on defense during the two-day event. Expect his stock to rise considerably on the recruiting circuit.

Dion Shaw (Defensive Back/Wide Receiver) – Ridley H.S. – 6'0", 170 LBS/Damiere Shaw (Defensive Back/Wide Receiver) – 5'11" 170 LBS – The Shaw brothers locked down their side of the field during the two day event. Dion impressed at the workouts last year and this year and did not disappoint with his performance this past weekend. Damiere made several noticeable defensive plays, especially on the second day where he had key breakups. Basically,no one was getting open on these guys. Their performance this weekend should add to their great reputations.

Max Ward (Quarterback)– Steel-High – 6'2", 175 LBS- You can officially add Ward to the list of one of the better quarterbacks coming back in the part of Pennsylvania. He had earned it with his performance over the weekend. Going against some of the best competition in the Northeastern part of the U.S., Ward was able to hit his receivers on all kinds of routes. Ward specialized with the long throws this weekend, showing an ability to hit his wideouts in stride. He helped lead the Playmakers to a top 4 finish and this performance should add to his confidence.

David Williams (Running Back) – West Catholic – 6'0", 180 lbs. Normally, running backs don't do much during 7 on 7 competitions, but the rules at New Level Athletics/Badger Sport events are different. The running back can run the ball and be effective. That's what describes Williams' performance, very effective. He scored on several TD runs during the two-day event and showed his versatility catching the ball out of the backfield. He's a sophomore right now but he is one of the top 5 running backs coming back for the 2011 season.

Mike Burke (Wide Receiver) – Columbia – Along with Simmons from Harrisburg, Burke has to be a kid whose stock rose during the two-day event. He was unstoppable for most of the two-day event, making all kind of catches. He beat his man several times for long touchdown catches and proved that he is one of the best wide receivers coming back for the 2011 season. There's no doubt he earned a lot of respect over the weekend. With his size and precise route running, there's no doubt he'll be on the recruiting radar soon enough.

Kyle Kerrick (Wide Receiver) – Coatesville – Kerrick showed up on the second day of the event and made an instant impact. He showed good hands and great route-running ability while making key catches during the Playmakers run during the second day of the event.

Blake Rankin (Quarterback) – Bloomsburg – Rankin was a kid already on the radar and definitely improved his stock over the weekend even more with his performance. Rankin picked apart defenses the whole weekend and was able to connect on numerous long touchdown passes during the two-day event. Rankin is one of the best QB's in the state.

Kevin Malone (Safety) – West Catholic – Malone manned the safety position for the Playmakers and got a key interception during the second day. Malone is part of a talented nucleus coming back for the West Catholic Burrs for the 2010 football season.

Larry Zimmerman (Defensive Back) – Pine Grove – Zimmerman had a good first day and stepped up his game during the second day with some key pass breakups. He saw a lot of time during the latter part of the single-game elimination tournament and more than held his own. Although he didn't get to showcase his skills at wide receiver, the All-State defensive back proved he belonged against top competition.

Leroy McClain (Defensive Back) – Susquehanna Township – McClain stepped up his game during the second day of the event, showing more aggressiveness and preventing receivers from getting open. McClain is also a wide receiver but defensive back is where he may end up at when he gets to the college level. He already has the speed.

The West Hempfield Township Board of Supervisors presented two officers with awards as well as naming one of the officers as the 2010 Officer of the Year at their regular scheduled meeting on March 1. Officers Richard C. Bowermaster, Jr. and Bradley J. Rohrbaugh were each presented with
the Commendation Award and Officer Bowermaster was named Officer of the Year.
“These officers are being recognized for investigations that they conducted that went well above what is
expected of officers assigned to patrol.” stated Chief Mark G. Pugliese, “In both cases, their investigations
lead to arrests of several individuals and cleared multiple cases for several different jurisdictions. In one case, the investigation cleared cases in another county as well.”
The Commendation Award is awarded to any employee for an outstanding act that involved performance above and beyond the employee's basic assignment.
It is awarded to police officers of any rank for outstanding per-formance of duties under unusual, complicated, or hazardous conditions.
This year there are 2 recipients of the Commendation Award for 2010.
In the fall of 2010 the West Hempfield Township Police Department received two complaints of ATM machines being broken into at a Mountville Borough location. Officer Richard Bowermaster received some information while on patrol and with this information, he was able to developed several suspects and learned that the individuals may have perpetrated criminal acts in other jurisdictions as well. Through Officer Bowermaster’s actions, he along with officers from 6 other law enforcement agencies in both Lancaster and York Counties were able to arrest seven individuals for their involvement in eight thefts, six burglaries, one stolen vehicle as well as other criminal offenses.
Officer Bowermaster worked tirelessly including hours that he was scheduled off-duty to bring this case to prosecution. Officer Bowermaster coordinated the investigation so well that his work was complimented by a long time detective from a neighboring department.
In June of 2010, Officer Bradley Rohrbaugh received a report of a stolen vehicle from a residence in West Hempfield Township. This vehicle was subsequently recovered by the department in Mountville Borough. Officer Rohrbaugh received consent from the vehicle’s owner to search the vehicle and in doing so recovered several cell phones and a GPS that were determined not to belong to the vehicle owner. Using the phones and the GPS unit, Officer Rohrbaugh was able to locate victims and witnesses that ultimately lead to the arrests of three juveniles for offenses that included vehicle theft, burglary, defiant trespass and theft from a motor vehicle. The juveniles’ crime spree spanned over theee jurisdictions and in all, property was returned to seven victims.
Officer Rohrbaugh’s diligent investigation started with a couple of cell phones and a GPS unit led him to several prosecution and clearing cases in three municipalities. Commendation Award is hereby awarded to Officer Bradley J. Rohrbaugh.

Officer of the Year

Officer of the Year is awarded to an officer who distinguished him/herself through either an accumulation of exceptional contributions or a single incident, and whose actions clearly place the individual well above others of equal rank or grade. Areas of recognition include, but are not limited to: extraordinary valor, positive community impact, administrative accomplishments, crime prevention, training programs, traffic safety and innovative approaches to public service. This individual shall have truly represented the department in a favorable light, having reflected the vision andmission statements in their daily actions.
The 2010 Officer of the Year is awarded to Officer Richard C. Bowermaster, Jr.
Officer Bowermaster is a 10-year veteran of the police department having been hired in 2003. Even though Officer Bowermaster is assigned to the Patrol Division, heconstantly and diligently handles investigations as a seasoned investigator would.
Officer Bowermaster can be relied upon to handle his investigation with dedication and tenacity. Officer Bowermaster’s investigative skills reflect credit upon himself and bring credit to the department.

Week of February 28th, 2011FELONY GUN CRIMES
Lancaster City/County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward up to $1000 for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of the person(s) responsible for the listed crime. Rodney Regan DUNHAM
29 Years of age
Also known as: Alan Everett LONG
557 Avenue H Columbia, PA
5 feet, 7 inches
165 pounds
On July 11th, 2008, the Columbia Borough Police Department investigated an incident of shots fired in the area of South Third Street and Union Street. Officers encountered Rodney Regan DUNHAM and a discarded Smith & Wesson handgun in the area of the incident. As a result of witness information policecharged DUNHAM with Persons not to Possess a Firearm, Possession of Firearms without a License, Recklessly Endangering another Person and False Identification to Law Enforcement. DUNHAM uses the name Alan Long and is a convicted felon in South Carolina.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of DUNHAM is asked to contact the Columbia Borough Police Department at (717) 684-7735, or Lancaster City/Lancaster County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-322-1913. Callers can remain anonymous and do not have to give their names.